Our Research

ICFJ's research arm explores the challenges and opportunities facing the news media today. Our goal is to help find solutions that advance independent and trustworthy public-interest journalism.

Our research sparks thoughtful debate on critical issues facing the profession , and provides evidence-based insights for newsroom leaders, technology companies, journalism donors and all those committed to strengthening free and vibrant news media around the world.

At ICFJ, we have the unique ability to survey our vast global network of journalists and newsrooms in multiple languages and to identify emerging trends, challenges and threats that affect the future of our field, and inform responses to them. 

Our ‘Participatory Action Research’ model means we focus on collaborative approaches to understanding issues and knowledge sharing with the aim of strengthening journalism and supporting journalists. Meanwhile, our partnerships with leading centers of journalism research in the U.S. and the UK strengthen and deepen our thought leadership capabilities.

ICFJ's research arm is led by Julie Posetti, PhD, whose work focuses on  journalism viability/sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, media freedom and the safety of journalists, media and gender, social media and disinformation. Her work draws on an international career spanning three decades as a journalist, journalism educator and researcher.

 

 

Latest News

How Disinformation and Hate Fuel Online Attacks Against Women Journalists

|
April 29, 2021

Vicious online violence that seeks to silence women journalists and discredit their reporting is a growing problem – and one that is often tied to orchestrated disinformation campaigns, new research shows. Because of their race, sexual orientation and religion, some women face even more frequent and vitriolic attacks.

Washington Post Cites ICFJ Report in Denouncing “Onslaught of Online Harassment” Against Maria Ressa

|
March 15, 2021

The Washington Post editorial board has called the online assault against Filipino-American journalist Maria Ressa “a worldwide warning,” citing a new report from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) that revealed the intensity and ferocity of online violence directed against her.

Fighting an Onslaught of Online Violence

|
March 8, 2021

ICFJ’s latest research out today analyzes the intensity and ferocity of online violence against one of the world’s best journalists, Maria Ressa in the Philippines. The report, published this International Women’s Day, seeks to combat a problem that is horrifyingly pervasive for women journalists the world over.

ICFJ-UNESCO Study: Online Violence, Fueled by Disinformation and Political Attacks, Deeply Harms Women Journalists

|
December 10, 2020

An alarmingly high number of women journalists are now targets of online attacks associated with orchestrated digital disinformation campaigns. The impacts include self-censorship, retreat from visibility, an increased risk of physical injury, and a serious mental health toll. The main perpetrators? Anonymous trolls and political actors.

Contact Info

Julie Posetti, PhD
Global Director of Research
jposetti@icfj.org

Fatima Bahja
Director, New Initiatives
fbahja@icfj.org